Gross Vehicular Manslaughter Charge Filed in Fatal San Leandro Crash That Killed Beloved School Cafeteria Worker

SAN LEANDRO — An Oakland man has been charged with gross vehicular manslaughter following a May 11 collision that police said occurred when his speeding car fatally struck a vehicle driven by a beloved elementary school employee and mother of three. Killed in the crash was Andrea Sanchez, 50, of San Leandro.

The charge against the suspect, Chuliao Wu, 32, also includes an enhancement for fleeing the crash scene before police arrived, according to court records. Those records indicate Wu admitted he was driving when the crash happened at approximately 5:09 p.m.

at the intersection of Corvallis Street and Dartmouth Avenue. Court records state Wu was driving a Mercedes Benz that video recovered at the scene showed was traveling in excess of 60 mph, more than double the posted speed limit.

The video also showed the car had been passing other vehicles before it collided with the Kia driven by Sanchez. She died at a hospital.

Wu fled the scene on foot and was subsequently identified as the driver of the Mercedes. Authorities arrested Wu on May 27.

He is being held at Santa Rita Jail in lieu of $125,000 bail and is scheduled to enter a plea on June 8. In addition to her role as a mother of three, Sanchez worked in the cafeteria at Corvallis Elementary School in the 14000 block of Corvallis Street in San Leandro, part of the San Lorenzo Unified School District.

She was better known as "Chef Andrea" or "Dre." The school's PTA wrote on social media that Sanchez was a "beloved staff member, friend and bright light within our school and throughout the community." At a candlelight vigil last month, the organization said community members "gathered in front of the school to pay tribute, support one another and reflect on the incredible impact she had on so many lives. The soft glow of candlelight is a powerful reminder of the love our community carries for Chef Andrea.

Dre was truly one of a kind, bringing joy, warmth, and positivity to every room she entered. She had a remarkable way of making people feel loved, seen, and uplifted.

Her big, beautiful smile and unforgettable belly laugh could brighten even the hardest days. Her kindness, generosity, and infectious spirit touched every single one of us.

The impact she made on her family, friends, coworkers, and the students who adored her is immeasurable! This loss has left an enormous void in the hearts of all who knew and loved her."